BUYING A CARAVAN? Our Top Tips For WHAT TO LOOK FOR!

#campingaustralia #caravanningaustralia #buyingacaravan
CARAVAN SHOPPING! We head into Melbourne to check out the world of caravans from the big dealerships to the smaller manufacturers. Some let us in for a behind the scenes look… others? Not so much.

We came into this hoping for clarity, but honestly, we left with more questions than answers. Why are so many vans pushing $100k+? Are the cheaper options really worth the risk? And how do you spot the difference between a solid build and a shiny lemon?

There’s no doubt some awesome companies are out there doing it right but wow, it’s hard to tell who’s legit and who’s just good at marketing.

Is this the reality of the caravan world? Are we being too picky… or not picky enough?
Do we go down the caravan path at all or is there a better way to travel Australia full-time?

—In this video—
00:00 Intro
00:19 Caravan Shopping
00:50 Things to be careful of
03:00 What we learnt from touring caravan manufacturers
05:56 What WE are wanting in a caravan
15:04 RENT a caravan BEFORE you buy!
17:20 Did we choose a caravan?
19:10 What would you choose?

Sarah and Keelan Travels -12v Masterclass

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This episode was filmed in: March 2025

camping australia, Offroad, caravan, roof top tent, toyota 78 series landcruiser, how to, overlanding, travel, remote touring

[cazinaus]

Ah yes it is a daunting task. The great thing I see you guys doing is NOT RUSHING IN. We've just gone through some reviewing...from motor-homes, caravans, pop ups & camper trailers. We've decided we don't really want to pull a caravan around just yet (we are quite nimble 56 & 60 yr olds) so we have fallen in love with the Stockman Rover Ultra. Not saying it would suit you guys (Madi needs a proper work station) but it is ideal for us. Comfort for sleeping & an awesome kitchen...and top tier quality. As you say, get what suits. We want to be outside as much as possible, and definitely want to cook outside. Take a look at the Austrack Gibb 14 (solid) & Reconn R2 Hypercamper (pop top)....they made it high on our list. My advice would be look for Aussie made but if not, Aussie wiring is a must. Great video Beau...you should get a big response 👍

[rookiecanavan]

Hey Guys! Just watched your episode and we so love that you say, no matter what you have, get out there and give it a go 😁 we are noobies and have a little 13 ft “Stewy” the StarCraft and we are loving our travels. Last year on our way up north, we were at Albury show grounds and an older traveller walked past and said to my partner “ that is the smallest caravan I’ve ever seen!” And she said what does it matter we’re out there giving it a go 😁 Happy Easter to you both and Luna!

[TwoBearStudios]

Great video, we just borrowed our mate's older off-road van for a week and it was great to see what we would like and not like in a van. We are looking to buy something, new or 2nd hand, in the next year or so, not full-time travel, but the ability to go for a few weeks/months at a time would be what we need. We also travel with 2 very big dogs (Great Danes), so space and somewhere for them to sleep is a must. Hiring a few different vans is the way to go, see what we like and don't like. Looking forward to more videos in this series :)

[stuartkenny-mowh]

Hello Mate. Another fantastic episode, I get what your saying as Jen and I before we purchased our van went to all the Van shows and yards, we were bombarded with sales talk and just got more confused. As you know we settled on a van which suits our needs with size and options and its great getting out there with friends or by ourselves. I went to the Perth van show and agree the options available on vans now are wow, but they all come with a price. Take care and happy searching for the right options for you both.

[sneaky]

G'day mate great content as usual. This is our recommendations to others maybe starting out wanting a van. Yeah vans are so expensive now for sure especially the top manufacturers we are on our second van which is a second hand 22ft Spinifex (a new van around $240000) and we would never pay that amount. So this van 2015 model top of the range I paid $80000 1 owner and I have upgraded all the power and not much else. Our van is brilliant all the bugs are ironed out, built very well and strong, holds 480 lts water built for offgrid and was affordable. My advice is to anyone interested buy the best quality van as you can even an older van remember vans were built way better a few years ago pre covid and then with the money you save update it if needed. When I purchased our van I also bought the 79 series Dual cab tow vehicle as well of the guy 97000km gvm ect all done $150000 for the car and van and it is used near every day for the last 2.5 years.

[clintchristison]

Awesome thanks so much mate! My Wife and I are researching hard atm and this has been both inspirational and very very helpful. I am a truck driver but I don’t think we would go the truck route just because I know first hand the cost and inconvenience of repairs. Having said that we have never had a van. I would keen to hear from someone who has done both van and truck setup. We can’t wait to be full time traveler’s! thanks again cobber🤙

[ramrigadventures]

You've hit the nail on the head Beau. $200k maybe more and you just hope someone has cared enough to put it together well. Would love to see you guys in a truck build just quietly!

[debbiepodgorski]

Yes what a predicament lol… god we LOVE your honesty … great episode once again… ✨☮️✨🇦🇺✨

[cherylrayes]

Interesting that you mentioned the truck, took my granddaughter camping last week and we saw two trucks in 2 different places, they looked great, plenty of clearance lol cheers Cheryl 🙂

[Overweightandunderpowered]

Great episode mate, 👍 think you're on the right track with the truck or the hybrid but you know way more about this stuff than most, one of our regrets when buy our second hand out back was we didn't get one with more upgrades that someone else has spent all the dollars on .she was bone stock apart from a 1 key system, so we had to spend a tone of cash and time getting it aus trip ready, and we're still doing mods . But it's still cheaper than a brand new van that's for sure it really it personal choice and budget it the only limiting factor, cheers mate have an awesome week say hi to Madi and Luna ❤

[jeffandrews]

G’day mate, great content and enjoy watching. I went for the MDC 16 East West, indoor/outdoor cooking, indoor/outdoor fridge, indoor/outdoor shower. Full off road off grid and bloody love it .

[bigbeard]

We will be getting our first caravan. Possibly next year. Great tips. Will be watching what you get. We are, at present, looking at 2nd hand and 16ft max because of $$ and small front yard dor storage.

[JohnJones-opqu]

Great thoughts. Know what you want and take your time. We’ve our about ) months ago. After caravanning in and off for many years. We are currently working out some mods to make this our van. 👍

[JnDTrails]

Hey guys! Just wanted to share our personal experience — we absolutely love our T-REX T16 Lux Ensuite Off-Road 16ft Poptop Caravan. Excellent bang for your buck and heaps of room for the two of us. We've taken it off-grid several times, from the cold to the heat, and it's handled everything like a champ. The after-sales service has been second to none, too.

Just something to think about! Whatever you choose, we’re sure it’ll be the right fit for you.

Cheers,
Jen & David
JND Trails

[ShariMason-Sewn_in_Sunshine]

We were the same with the living area. We went hybrid and absolutely love it. We ended up buying a Boss Adventure 16ft offroad (lots of teething problems but now all good). It has the compact ensuite and king size bed. It also has a sink and small stove on the inside too. But, not doing all the cooking, sitting and living inside the van was huge for us. Friends of ours have the Austrak 14ft and they love theirs too.

[zubinirani]

Brilliant content mate. Literally walking in your shoes. I think your comment of buying something second hand and then expecting to spend $20k on top is where we are at as well. Still trialling a few, none of which seems right so far. As you say lots of money involved. The general numbers I've found are $55 to $60k 16/17 foot 2 to 3 years old. But might look at older models too. Thanks again. About to hire a pop top first time too just to have a try.

[jameshennek]

Hey guys,
A truck build would be very exciting. What scares me the most is having to get it towed off the "Sydney Harbor Bridge..."
A Land Cruiser configuration is not as scary a proposition...
I have been pondering a bus conversion, but again, a coolant hose on the Merc bus we have is 45 liters...
I am torn
Luv the content, James

[brucecarrick]

great episode I need to make my list maybe after the lotto win. Thanks

[BruceRiley-sz]

Mate luv watching your channel but you left out a very good van manufacturer look up Rhinomax from the Sunny coast. Awesome people and all made in house

[brendabartlett]

Just another company you could looked at. Explorer RV Caravans in Brendale, Brisbane.
100% made & manufactured in Aust. and offer after-sales service. I just found your channel on the ANZAC long weekend and have enjoy watching and learning heaps. We're planning retirement at end of year and starting some of the loop beginning a few months into 2026